Decapod crustacean fauna of the Argolikos Gulf (Eastern Mediterranean, Central Aegean Sea)

Abstract

        The study presents the biomass, the abundance and the depth distribution of the decapod crustaceans in Argolikos Gulf (Central Aegean Sea) from data collected in trawl surveys carried out throughout 2008. This work is the first systematic work in this important Greek area and will support the knowledge for understanding the decapods stocks’ fishery in the above area. A total of 28 species of decapod crustaceans was identified from a total of 42 hauls made in three depth zones (50-100 m, 100-200 m, 500-600 m). Among decapods recorded were 6 Dendrobranchiata (5 Penaeoidea, 1 Sergestoidea), 22 Pleocyemata (9 Brachyura, 8 Caridea, 2 Anomura, 1 Palinurid, 1 Astacideum, 1 Stenopodidea). The most abundant commercial species found in both shallower depth zones (50-100 m, 100-200 m ) was Parapenaeus longirostris while in the deepest one (500-600 m) Aristaeomorpha foliacea was the most numerous. Some new depth distribution records for the Eastern Mediterranean were obtained for some few species.